Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

One of our all time faves in our house! This is on our dinner table more times than I can count!

I remember the first time I made this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole it was a cold weeknight, and I had zero motivation to cook anything fancy. I just wanted something warm, satisfying, and fast. With a few pantry staples and 30 minutes on the clock, I had dinner on the table—and my family was hooked.

What makes this dish so amazing is that it checks all the boxes for beginner cooks. It’s straightforward, hard to mess up, and doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special tools. The ingredients are accessible, and the end result is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty meal that feels like home.

Why This Recipe is Special

• It’s an excellent one-pan meal that cuts down on dishes.
• The combination of pasta, ground beef, and cheese is universally loved.
• The flavors are kid-friendly while still being satisfying for adults.
• It can easily be doubled for meal prep or a crowd.
• This recipe is versatile—swap ingredients or adjust seasoning to fit your taste or dietary needs.
• It’s the perfect entry point for beginners to practice sautéing, seasoning, and oven-baking.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Ground beef: Brings a rich, meaty flavor and hearty texture. You can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a leaner or vegetarian option.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and aroma once sautéed. You could use shallots or even leeks for variation.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its pungent and savory notes.
• Macaroni: A neutral pasta base that holds the sauce and cheese well. Penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta are great alternatives.
• Canned whole tomatoes (blended): Provides a fresh, tangy base for the sauce. Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can also work.
• Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses: Cheddar offers sharpness while mozzarella melts beautifully. You can mix in Monterey Jack or provolone for variety.
• Oil: Used for sautéing; olive oil or any neutral cooking oil will do.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for basic seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• Optional seasonings: Italian herbs, paprika, or red pepper flakes for a bit more personality.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when your casserole goes in.

Step 2 In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent—this usually takes about 3–5 minutes.

Step 3 Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, with no pink remaining.

Step 4 Season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Stir everything together to distribute the flavors evenly. Feel free to add any additional seasonings you like at this point.

Step 5 Pour in the blended tomatoes and mix well. Let this simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 6 While the sauce simmers, boil your macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it thoroughly.

Step 7 Add the drained macaroni into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine everything into one cohesive dish.

Step 8 Sprinkle the grated cheddar and mozzarella over the top evenly.

Step 9 Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Step 10 Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The cheese will set a little, making it easier to scoop.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• If your cheese starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the top with foil.
• For faster prep, chop onions and garlic while your pasta is cooking.
• If the beef releases too much grease, drain some off before adding tomatoes.
• No oven-safe skillet? Transfer everything to a baking dish after mixing the beef and macaroni.
• Taste your sauce before baking—this is your chance to adjust seasoning.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
• Add steamed broccoli or green beans for a complete plate.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Conclusion

If you’re new to cooking, this Cheesy Hamburger Casserole easy sheet pan dinner-style casserole is the perfect place to start. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that delivers big on comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. Once you’ve made it once, you’ll likely keep it in your weekly rotation. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you—did you add your own twist or follow it exactly? Drop a comment below and let’s talk casserole!

FAQ About Cheesy Hamburger Casserole

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